Estevan

The Hillcrest Early Learning Centre hosted its first large-scale Family Fun Day this past weekend, and organizers are already thinking ahead to next year.

Held as a fundraiser for the Estevan-based daycare, the event brought together families, children and members of the community for an afternoon of games, food and fun. Shawna Attwater, director at Hillcrest, said they were thrilled with how it all came together.

When people think of summer in Estevan, they picture burgers, golf clubs, and standing ovations — but they might not realize just how much those things drive our economy. From weekly community barbecues and packed charity golf tournaments to the much-loved Souris Valley Theatre and returning summer concerts, events big and small generate real economic impact. Community Development Officer Becca Foord with the Estevan Economic Development Board returned to talk about BBQs, teamwork, and being a tourist in your own town.

The wettest month of the year is usually June, and to the delight of farmers, we've had plenty of storms coming through the area to help prove that true. Moisture levels were already looking good heading into the month, thanks to a heavy rainfall in May, but some consistent rains were also needed to help those plants along through the growing season.

Southeast Agrologist Edgar Hammermeister says we've seen some good moisture that's kept those plants growing.

Estevan police have charged a 22-year-old man following an investigation into a stolen truck reported in the early morning hours of June 24.

Dusty Bonnor has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, break and enter, and failing to comply with conditions of a probation order. He was remanded into custody and was scheduled to appear in Carlyle Provincial Court on June 25 to speak to the charges.

The Healthy Beaches program has restarted this week in Saskatchewan, with water sampling underway at select local beaches. Results are expected later this week, allowing residents to check water quality before heading out.

The program monitors water quality at recreational beaches across the province, providing accurate information to help protect beachgoers and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

The second Taste of Summer charity barbecue was a big success, raising $1,198 in support of the Estevan Public Youth Centre (EPYC).

The event, held in partnership with Kingston Midstream, took place outside Shoppers Drug Mart, with hot dogs and hamburgers being served to the community.

Funds raised will help support EPYC’s programming and benefit youth in the community.

A multi-agency traffic enforcement blitz in Estevan on June 24 resulted in dozens of charges, warnings, and vehicle seizures as police worked together to crack down on dangerous driving and improve road safety.

The coordinated effort targeted traffic offences and vehicle equipment violations to enhance road safety.

The annual Street Dance was approved to go forward at the latest Estevan City Council meeting, which means the Downtown Business Association (DBA) is getting ready to put that show on this July. The dance was previously held in Affinity Place's parking lot last year, as work was ongoing on 4th Street with the Downtown Revitalization project.

Robert Godfrey, an event producer for the Downtown Business Association, gives some details for the upcoming event.

The southeast will need to once again batten down the hatches as we're seeing a potentially severe thunderstorm come through the area this evening. Environment Canada's forecast expects that to hit tonight with severe weather stretching through central Saskatchewan into the southeast.

Environment and Climate Change Canada Meteorologist Crawford Luke guides us through what we could see from this system.

Some ongoing construction on Highway 39 may affect commuters near Macoun, between Weyburn and Estevan.  

Dan Palmer with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways explains seal coating work is being done to improve the quality of the road.  

“That's when hot liquid asphalt and crushed gravel are applied to the highway surface. Now, the benefit of that once it's completed is it reduces deterioration, cracking and essentially it prolongs the service life of the existing pavement which ultimately is a smoother and safer driving surface for motorists.”